This is the first successful
trial of remotely controlling a humanoid robot to drive an industrial vehicle
in lieu of a human operator. These results were achieved through the development
of three technologies: 1) remote-control technology to instruct the humanoid
to perform total-body movements under remote control; 2) a remote-control
system to execute tasks, and protection technology to protect the humanoid
against the shock and vibrations of its operating seat and against influences
of the natural environment, such as rain and dust, and 3) full-body operation-control
technology to autonomously control the humanoid's total-body movements to
prevent the robot from falling over. The humanoid has promising application
potential for restoration work in environments impacted by catastrophes
and in civil-engineering and construction-project sites where it can work
safely and efficiently.